Dr. Dodde has changed my life! I no longer hide from my mirrors. I went to several consultations before choosing Dr. Dodde and have never regretted it. If you are looking for a gifted surgeon who provides a caring, confidential environment, look no further!

- Jane - Facelift

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Melanoma Treatment

Grand Rapids, Holland, Saugatuck, MI

If you are beginning to notice irregular skin growths or spots on the skin, it is vital to see a doctor as soon as possible to have them evaluated. If the doctor detects that they are cancerous or pre-cancerous, there are a number of options available for treatment depending on your specific case and progression. Dr. Dodde will discuss your options with you and help you feel comfortable with every step.

Melanoma Treatments

Here are some treatment options that Dr. Dodde may offer to treat your specific case:

Excisional Skin Surgery – This simple procedure is effective for most types of skin cancer. Dr. Dodde will numb the skin, and the cancerous tissue will be removed with a scalpel with a wide excision. This is the most common ways of removing skin cancer since it usually has the best cosmetic outcome.

Mohs Surgery – This type of excision surgery is for larger recurring cancer in areas where it’s important to preserve the skin. Dr. Dodde will shave the growth in thin layers, and then each layer is checked under a microscope for cancerous cells. This process is repeated until no more cancerous cells are found. This way, all cancer cells are removed but only a small amount of skin is removed.

Cryosurgery – Small cancerous moles can be removed using liquid nitrogen. Dr. Dodde will use liquid nitrogen directly on the skin to kill the cancerous cells. This treatment may cause swelling and may damage nerves, which can cause the treatment area to feel numb.

Topical Chemotherapy – Commonly, chemotherapy creams or lotions with anti-cancer agents can be applied to destroy superficial skin cancers. Side effects of these topical chemotherapy treatments may include redness, swelling, itching, and sensitive skin.